Required for a wedding: partner, place, date, license, and officient. Did you save the last two for last? Many do.
Perhaps because we are a vacation destination there is a role for JP’s in Maine. Many couples from away do not have a relationship with a religious organization here. Also, Justices of the Peace are officients in ceremonies where the couple is of mixed religions or backgrounds. A JP is a neutral participantsomeone who will upset both sides of the aisle equally!
A quick scan of the yellow pages announces the first obstacle in locating a Justice of the Peace. There aren’t any! Don’t panic they’re around, but not as JP’s. The Maine legislature eliminated the title JP from the office of Notary. You should be looking for a State Notary Public. This is a State appointed office and they, along with clergy, and attorneys can perform the duty of officiating a marriage license.
What do they do for you? The simple answer is that a notary completes the state marriage license and files it with the proper town. But, a “JP” will help plan the ceremony, create a unique ceremony, run the rehearsal (this is where a good officient often earns his or her fee). They also are master of ceremonies prior to the service. Finally, the officient can be that emotionally objective person who calms the nerves, deals with an over-excited flowergirl, and can pin a boutonniere on a lapel. A notary is not a member of any clergy. That does not mean that you can’t have a meaningful even religious ceremony.
About the legality. The State has dramatically reduced the number of hoops you must jump through. Nevertheless, a license signed in blue inkinstead of the mandatory black will get returned. Failure to get the witnesses signatures invalidates the license. Oh, a word about getting married in a balloon. If it’s not tethered to the ground you can not attest to what town and county you got married in (!) So, while it’s not rocket science it is also not something you want to spend your honeymoon night trying to straighten out.
About religionor how will your aunt, the nun, feel about this. As a Notary I have seen very few unhappy, or disruptive relatives. This is about a couple in love, who want to make a statement about their devotion to each other. Nevertheless, religion, background, or length of relationship are not issues that should be ignored. (We all can tell stories). A notary is not clergy or theologian. Nonetheless, the license and the ceremonies are real and meaningful. Made so by the commitment put into the event. We have all attended religious ceremonies that had appeared to have no meaning or emotional content.
Money!!! As is usually the case you get what you pay for. A notary might charge $10 to complete the form. If you’re planning a traditional ceremony you will want someone who is experienced. This might range from $50 to $500.
Most notaries will want to meet with you. Speaking as an individual I meet with the couple on several occasions. If for any reason it doesn’t feel right most notaries will be glad to refer you to another.
Finally, remember this is your day. Don’t give it away to the photographer, the weather, or to the officient. Talk a lot to each other. A great exercise is describing the best wedding you each have attended, and the worst. Sometimes the reasons are simple (lousy band, hot church). Some are not so easy to describe. This conversation will be a big help in planning and communicating your needs.
How do you find them? Call the Informed Notaries of Maine (207 621-1688, or inm@mac.com.) This is an association of notaries and they keep a list of notaries in your area who can perform the job.
“bride on the right”, “take your sunglasses off”, “where’s the cute, composed flowergirl from the rehearsal?!” “it won’t rain until I’m done!” “do not run down the aisle”
Send questions/comments to the editors.
